Hingolgadh Wildlife Sanctuary

Surrounded by rainfed arid land from all sides, Hingilgadh wildlife sanctuary of Hingolgadh is a preferred habitat for Chinkara, blue bull and a very large number of resident and migratory birds. This sanctuary has a special ecological significance as the dry deciduous thorny forests and savannah type grasslands merge here. It plays a crucial role in the ground water conservation by recharging aquifers in the region. Declared as a sanctuary in 1980, the area has a high educational and recreational value.

The Sanctuary is just 180 kms. away from Ahmedabad. Extending over a forest area of 654.07 Ha., the sanctuary represents dry deciduous scrub forests where the trees of Acacia Senegal (Gorad), Mytenus emarginata (Vikalo), Acacia nilotica (Baval), Commiphora wightii (Gugal) etc. dominate the landscape. The area is hilly, rugged and undulating. The landscape presents a magnificent mosaic of grasslands and scrub forests. The sanctuary gets full of life during rainy season with beautiful shades of green colour all around and the area buzzing with life and various life forms.

FloraThe plant species density is relatively high as there are 314 species of plants, such as- gorad, desi baval, kasedo, neem, gugal, thor, satodi, batkumi etc. in a very small area.

FaunaThe major fauna includes mammals like Chinkara, bluebull, wolf, jackal, fox, Indian porcupine, Indian hare, hyena, flying fox, etc. There are 230 species of birds and 19 species of snakes. Among the birds, Red-vented Bulbul, Green Bee-Eater, Spotted Dove, Shrike, Woodpecker, Indian roller etc. are common. The sanctuary has 19 species of snakes; of course not all of them are venomous. 16 non-venomous and 3 venomous species of snakes have been recorded from the area.

Major Wildlife Attractions: Due to the presence of grasslands and scrub forests, the sanctuary has a unique composition of wildlife. The most prominent wildlife species are Chinkara (a herbivore), Nilgai (Bluebull), Indian porcupine, Indian hare, Mongoose etc. Wolf – the top predator of the grassland, is the main carnivore along with Hyenas, Jackals etc. The unconfirmed presence of a leopard has been occasionally reported by the local people.

The sanctuary is remarkably rich in birds with 230 species. The whole sanctuary is filled with melodies of bird chirping. The large groups of bulbuls attract everybody’s attention with their metallic calls. Another interesting bird is the Weaver bird whose presence is most visible in the form of their typical hanging nests.

The sanctuary has 19 species of snakes of which 3 are venomous and 16 non-venomous.

The presence of savannah types of grasslands and the scrub forests and the interesting fauna – particularly the remarkable diversity of bird species – has rendered the sanctuary an ideal place for nature education in a region which is otherwise dry. The sanctuary also presents very interesting geological and hydrological features.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Hingolgadh Wildlife Sanctuary is in the rainy session. Sanctuary remain open throughout the year.